This is the immediate follow-up to my post “I Know the Feeling.” I did a bit of searching for the fashion history of the ‘fruit loop’ referred to in that post.

My initial thought, “Uh-oh. My memory failed here.” The first entries were of tee-shirts with the cereal logos. Continued searching took me to the on-line Urban Dictionary. Here is the entry:

“A loop of cloth sewn onto the upper center of a man’s shirt by the manufacturer. Often found on dress shirts, and sometimes on preppie alligator-emblazoned shirts. Purpose of this loop of cloth has never been determined.”

An additional entry by The Original GarnetGlitter, apparently a go-to gal affiliated with Yahoo, affirmed that definition and added some discussion about its significance to kids in the 50’s and 60’s and about its purpose.

The only one that makes even a tad bit of sense is that a guy could hang the tie that he wore with that shirt through that loop when he put the shirt on a hanger, thereby resting assured he would have it pronto when he pulled it out of the closet the next time he planned to wear it. Back in those days everything ‘matched’ perfectly: headbands matched the color of the outfit; shoes matched belts and/or purses; hats matched coats.

Ahh! Now I get it! I read recently that if a woman wanted to dress to reflect a young-at-heart spirit, she should not worry so much about the matchy-matchy aspect. Earrings and necklaces don’t have to come from the same set. Mixing patterns is okay- (GASP) .

Purses must not have to match with anything, based on the trendy hot sellers right now. What would one wear if one tried to match an outfit to those…gaud…no, shouldn’t be so critical…those original creations of color, design and bling?

Can’t quite figure that one out, which is why my one trendy bag adds color, design and bling to my bedroom decor as it hangs from the reading chair.

I’m not quite convinced that carrying it would camouflage the fact that I am an ABB – that’s my term for ‘aging baby boomer‘ that I so cringe at hearing. Nor can I mix patterns on purpose and leave the house.

Not sure that wearing earrings and necklaces from different sets is the reason for the spring in my step, but it’s a safe rebellion from my early years of conformity to the few fashion facts I knew.

Anyway, a bounce in my step and a smile are all I really need to reflect my gratitude for being one of those ABB‘s! 🙂

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About Teresa Pearson Lee

Retired after 33 years of teaching English and French (one year in private school in Memphis, TN and the rest in public school in Doniphan, MO. Enjoying new adventures - all those things I put off for lack of time, energy, now I can try them! Pottery, writing, traveling, camping, kayaking, dancing, listening to some of the best live music ever, and making lively new friendships. All christened with an appreciation for great red wine!
Created and operated KC's on the Current, then sold it and managed it for new owners. You might still find me at the reservation desk when spring rolls around.
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO near The Hill. Though a transplant to Southeast Missouri, still a city gal at the core with a deep love of the natural resources in these Ozark foothills.
Currently I am a content coordinator for Poplar Bluff Living Magazine and a columnist/stringer for the local weekly The Prospect News. My rescue Siamese helps with most of the proofreading; he has a great ear.
I relish the solitude easily had in the Mark Twain Forest but thoroughly enjoy lively outings for music, wine, conversation close to home or in my beloved hometown.
Technology is my greatest challenge but so worth the shared connections. There may be a need for solitude but there is little loneliness.
The material in this blog written by Teresa Lee is her property and cannot be used without express written consent to do so.